Pune Ganeshotsav 2026 : 84-Year-Old Pune Woman Preserves 19 Years of Ganeshotsav Memories Through Newspaper Clippings

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Fatima Nagar, 19th September 2026: At a time when festival memories are increasingly documented and consumed through digital platforms, 84-year-old Asha Shinde, a resident of Himalaya House Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. in Fatima Nagar, Pune, has been preserving Ganeshotsav memories through a unique and deeply personal collection of newspaper and magazine clippings.

Since 2008, Shinde has been collecting reports, photographs and information related to Lord Ganesha, Ganeshotsav decorations, processions and other festival-related events published in newspapers and magazines. What started as a hobby has now grown into a collection spanning nearly two decades.

This year marks the 19th collection created by Shinde. She carefully preserves the clippings and organises them as a record of the changing celebrations and traditions associated with Ganeshotsav over the years.

Speaking about her collection, Shinde said, “Since 2008, I have been collecting newspaper and magazine cuttings related to Lord Ganesha, Ganeshotsav decorations, processions and other festival-related events. Every year, I look forward to adding new memories to my collection. This year is my 19th collection, and I also design the cover page myself. Even at 84, this hobby gives me immense happiness and keeps my connection with Ganeshotsav alive. I feel that these collections will preserve the memories of the festival for years to come.”

A special feature of Shinde’s collection is that she designs the cover page herself each year. Her involvement goes beyond simply gathering the material, as she puts effort into presenting the collection as a distinct annual record.

The clippings cover different aspects of Ganeshotsav, including Ganesh idols, decorations, public celebrations, processions and cultural activities. Together, they offer a glimpse into how the festival and its public celebrations have evolved over the years.

For Shinde, the collection is not merely an assortment of old newspaper cuttings. It is a personal archive of memories associated with Ganeshotsav and a way of documenting the cultural significance of the festival through material published over the years.

Despite being 84, Shinde continues to pursue the hobby with enthusiasm. Her 19-year collection reflects her dedication to preserving memories and demonstrates how an individual’s passion can create a valuable record of Pune’s rich Ganeshotsav culture.

As Ganeshotsav continues to evolve with changing times, Shinde’s carefully preserved collection provides a tangible link to the festival’s past, keeping photographs, reports and memories alive for future generations.